As the winter months trudge slowly along (can you tell I hate snow?), those of us who are lucky enough to be able to go somewhere else for awhile occasionally enjoy putting together a “comfort food” meal. Even if you are someplace where it’s supposed to be warm, it’s really still winter. Now, I don’t know if people in Florida or Hawaii really think of it like that, but having spent a recent night in Georgia where the low hit 28 degrees, I would guess that most of the contiguous U.S .still believes in winter!
Anyway—back to the comfort food. If you are staying in a timeshare, and have the time and a well-equipped kitchen, why not make use of both and save some money by not eating out a night or two? Here are some easy, economical and tasty recipes that make good use of ever-versatile ground meat. There’s also a tasty side dish and a cookie dessert to round out your meal.
Scrumptious Stroganoff
1 ¼ lb. ground beef
1/3 C. chopped onion
1/3 C. sliced mushrooms (or 1 8 oz. can)
1 ½ C. water
2 envelopes brown gravy mix
2 C. sour cream (16 oz.)
Cooked rice or noodles
Cook beef, onions and mushrooms in large frying pan over medium heat. (If using canned mushrooms you will add them later.) Drain. Stir in water and gravy mix. Bring to a boil, then cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
If using canned mushrooms, stir them in now with the sour cream. Serve with cooked rice or noodles. Serves 4-5. (Adapted from Simple & Delicious, Jan.-Feb. 2009)
Pizazzy Patties
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 slightly beaten egg
½ C. bread crumbs
1 tsp. dried minced onion
½ tsp. seasoned salt
¼ tsp. pepper
2 T. brown sugar
1 ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. yellow orDijonmustard
1 can tomato sauce (8 oz.)
Mix first 6 ingredients well and shape into 4 patties. Brown in skillet or pan, drain and set aside.
Combine remaining ingredients in pan, then return patties to pan and bring all to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Makes 4 servings. (Adapted from Simple & Delicious, Jan./Feb. 2009)
Biscuit Barbecues
1 lb. lean ground beef
2/3 C. of your favorite barbecue sauce
1 tsp. dried minced onion
dash pepper
1 can of refrigerated biscuits (10 count)
1 C. grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Cook ground meat on stove and drain. Add barbecue sauce, onion and pepper and simmer for 15 minutes. Put biscuits into greased muffin cups, working the dough up the sides of each cup. Divide meat mixture among cups. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes. Makes 10 barbeque biscuits. (Adapted from The New Cooking With 4 Ingredients by Jean Coates)
Green Beans & Bacon
1 10-oz bag frozen green beans
2 T. butter
1 tsp. dried basil
3 T. Oscar Mayer Bacon Bits or Pieces
2. T. grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Cook and drain beans according to package directions. Put remaining ingredients on beans and mix well. Makes several servings.
Fudgy Oatsy No-Bakes
2 ¼ C. quick-cooking oats
1 C. flaked coconut
¼ C. butter or margarine
2 C. sugar
½ C. cocoa powder (baking type)
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine oats and coconut in bowl and set aside. (You can bag this ahead of time and bring it to your timeshare if you plan to make these!) In a saucepan, combine milk and butter. Mix in sugar and cocoa and bring to a boil. (The sugar and cocoa could be bagged ahead of time, too!) Add the oat mixture, stirring for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper and cool. Makes about 3 dozen. (Adapted, Taste of Home)
You can vary this recipe by adding other ingredients or substituting. Try adding some peanut butter, or cut down on the coconut and add some nuts or even vanilla or chocolate chips. YUM!
Check out our other fast, easy and tasty Timeshare Cooking Recipes!
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